Humulin R 100 IU/mL Injection (Regular Human Insulin) — 10 mL Vial

Description

Humulin R is a short-acting, clear insulin solution containing regular human insulin (biosynthetic, recombinant DNA origin). It is designed to lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. It is typically injected subcutaneously (SC) 30 minutes before meals, but can also be given intravenously (IV) in controlled medical settings (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis). Each vial contains 100 IU per mL of insulin, with 10 mL per vial (total 1000 IU).

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Regular human insulin — 100 IU/mL

• Excipients: Glycerin, metacresol, zinc oxide, water for injection. pH adjusted with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid as needed.

Drug Class

• Antidiabetic agent

• Short-acting human insulin preparation

Dosage Form

• Injectable solution

• Supplied as a 10 mL multi-dose vial (1000 IU total)

Uses / Indications

• Management of diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)

• Treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (IV, in hospital setting)

• Blood glucose control during surgery, illness, or hospital admission

Dosage (general guidance — individualized by physician)

• Adults & Children: Commonly 0.5–1.0 units/kg/day in divided doses (varies per patient).

• Injected subcutaneously ~30 minutes before meals.

• Onset: ~30 minutes | Peak: 2–4 hours | Duration: 6–8 hours.

• May be combined with intermediate-/long-acting insulin.

• IV infusion: only under medical supervision.

In Case of Overdose (Hypoglycemia)

• Symptoms: Sweating, tremor, hunger, headache, confusion, palpitations; severe cases may cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma.

• Treatment: Oral glucose (sugar/juice) if conscious; glucagon injection or IV glucose if unconscious. Seek immediate medical care.

Missed Dose

• If missed before a meal, inject as soon as remembered if still before eating.

• If it’s close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one.

• Never double dose.

How To Use / Administration

1. Wash hands before use.

2. Inspect the solution — must be clear and colorless (do not use if cloudy/discolored).

3. Use only U-100 insulin syringes.

4. Inject into subcutaneous tissue (abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm). Rotate sites.

5. Administer ~30 minutes before meals.

6. When mixing with longer-acting insulin in a syringe, draw Humulin R first.

7. For IV use, administer only in hospital settings under monitoring.

When Not to Use / Contraindications

• During episodes of hypoglycemia.

• Known allergy to human insulin or any formulation components (rare).

Side Effects

Common:

• Hypoglycemia (most common and potentially serious)

• Injection site reactions (pain, redness, itching, swelling)

• Lipodystrophy (fat deposits or loss at repeated injection sites)

Serious but rare:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

• Edema (fluid retention)

• Hypokalemia (with IV infusion)

Precautions & Warnings

• Frequent blood glucose monitoring is required.

• Adjust dose in renal/hepatic impairment, illness, stress, or medication changes.

• Avoid alcohol (may enhance hypoglycemia risk).

• Always carry glucose or sugar for emergencies.

• Wear a medical alert bracelet/card indicating insulin use.

Drug Interactions

• Increase hypoglycemia risk: Sulfonylureas, ACE inhibitors, salicylates, MAO inhibitors, alcohol, beta-blockers.

• Decrease insulin effect (hyperglycemia risk): Corticosteroids, diuretics, thyroid hormones, oral contraceptives, sympathomimetics.

• Beta-blockers may mask hypoglycemia warning signs.

Storage / Disposal

• Unopened vials: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Do not freeze.

• Opened vials: Store at room temperature (≤30 °C) or refrigerated. Use within 28 days.

• Protect from direct heat and light.

• Discard after 28 days of first use or after expiry.

• Dispose syringes/needles in sharps container.

Control Drug / Prescription Status

• Prescription-only medicine

• To be used under medical supervision only.

Quick Tips

• Inject 30 minutes before meals.

• Rotate injection sites to avoid skin changes.

• Never skip meals after injection.

• Keep spare insulin and syringes with you.

• Learn the signs of low blood sugar and treat immediately.

• Do not share vials or syringes.